D-49 Tree Service License Changed to C-49 Tree and Palm License
Since January 1, 2024, the CSLB has no longer issued the D-49 Tree Service limited specialty classification. It has been replaced by the C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor classification, which requires a trade exam.
If you already hold a D-49, your license is still valid. If you are applying for tree work now, or you are about to change qualifiers, the rules are different and it is worth understanding what changed.
Why the CSLB made the change
The old C-61/D-49 Tree Service classification sat under the limited specialty umbrella and carried no trade exam. Anyone could obtain it without being tested on the health and safety protocols specific to tree work, which is some of the most hazardous work in the trades.
The Board approved the regulation creating the C-49 on March 30, 2022 and finalized the new trade exam in December 2022, with the classification going live on January 1, 2024.
What changed on January 1, 2024
The CSLB stopped accepting applications for the C-61/D-49 classification. Anything submitted after December 31, 2023 is processed as a C-49 application instead.
Anyone wanting to specialise in tree work who does not already hold a C-61/D-49 has to apply for the C-49.
Every C-49 applicant has to sit the trade exam. That applies regardless of what other classifications you already hold, so an existing licensed contractor adding C-49 does not get a pass on it.
There is one concession. The CSLB expedites the experience review for C-49 applicants who have held an active C-61/D-49 for at least four years.
If you already hold a D-49
You can retain your classification and keep working under it. You are not required to apply for the C-49.
That said, the Board is clear that the C-49 is becoming the industry standard, and the two classification descriptions are treated as covering the same scope of work. The C-49 description explicitly includes palms.
The point that catches people out is the qualifier. If your current qualifier leaves the business, the replacement has to apply for the C-49 and pass the trade exam. There is no route back to the D-49. If your qualifier is approaching retirement, that is worth planning for well ahead of time rather than discovering it when they hand in their notice.
One more thing for D-49 holders
D-49 was one of four classifications brought into the workers compensation requirement early underSB 216, alongside C-8, C-20 and C-22. If you hold it, you need a workers compensation policy on file with the CSLB whether or not you employ anyone.
Where to read the detail
You can see thefull description of the C-49 classification in the California Code of Regulations.
The CSLB set out the transition in itsTree and Palm industry bulletin.
Need help with your C-49 application?
Whether you are applying for the C-49 for the first time, adding it to an existing license, or planning for a change of qualifier, we can walk you through it. We have helped California contractors through the licensing process for more than 19 years.
Call us now on (800) 580-8129 orget in touch and we will talk it through.
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